Monica Knits

BooksThis is a partial list of books in my library. The list will be updated from time to time. It is organized by needlework category: Knitting Patterns (General, Socks), Clothing Fit (pattern drafting, draping and fit), Stitch Patterns, Knitting and Needlework Primers and Color.

Some books were purchased for inspiration (color, design), some for specific techniques or patterns and some came from my mother-in-law's collection. Books referenced in this blog, are listed here.

1. KNITTING PATTERNS - GENERAL
2. KNITTING PATTERNS - SOCKS
3. CLOTHING FIT
4. STITCH PATTERNS
5. KNITTING & NEEDLEWORK PRIMERS
6. COLOR

KNITTING PATTERNS - GENERAL
Nancy Bush. Knitted Lace of Estonia: techniques, patterns, and traditions, Interweave Press LLC, Loveland, CO, 2008.

Jean Moss. Couture Knits, Guild of Master Craftsman Publications, Ltd. East Sussex, 2006.

The New Lux Knitting Book: Designs for the Whole Family, 1958 Edition. Lux was a soap manufacturer.

KNITTING PATTERNS - SOCKS
Beehive. Hand Knits from Beehive Imported Wools, Socks: Men and Women, 2nd Edition Patons & Baldwins, Inc., 1948. This well worn book has the best instructions for weaving the toe (Kitchener stitch) of any reference I found. It also contains many classic sock patterns.

Ann Budd and Anne Merrow, editors. Favorite Socks: 25 Timeless Designs from Interweave, Interweave Press, Loveland, CO, 2006.

Elaine Rowley, editor. Socks, Socks, Socks: 70 Winning Patterns from the Knitter's Magazine Contest, XRX Inc., Sioux Falls, SD, 1999.

Charlene Schurch. More Sensational Knitted Socks, Martingale & Co., WA., 2007. I purchased this book when I began knitting socks for others, who weren't readily available for fitting. The book has charts for different sizes and includes instructions for various heels and toe-up and toe-down techniques. The photos can also be used to determine sock styles that appeal to the intended gift recipient.

Charlene Schurch. Sensational Knitted Socks, Martingale & Co., WA., 2005.

CLOTHING FIT
Donald H. McCunn. How to Make Sewing Patterns, Design Enterprises of S.F., 1995.

Helen Joseph-Armstrong. Draping for Apparel Design, The Fashion Center, Los Angeles Trade Technical College, 2004.

P. Perry, editor. Fabulous Fit: Vogue Patterns’ Famous Sewing Book of Fitting Adjustments & Alterations, Butterick Publishing, New York, 1977.

STITCH PATTERNS
Gisela Kloepper. Beautiful Knitting Patterns, Sterling Publishing Co., Inc., N.Y., 2005.

Barbara Walker. A Treasury of Knitting Patterns, Schoolhouse Press, 1998.
Barbara Walker. A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, Schoolhouse Press, 1998.
Barbara Walker. Mosaic Knitting, Schoolhouse Press, 2006.

KNITTING & NEEDLEWORK PRIMERS
Katharina Buss. Big Book of Knitting, Sterling Publishing Co. Inc., N.Y., 1999. An excellent book of knitting basics with clear illustrations and photographs.

Virginia Colton, editor. Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Needlework, The Reader's Digest Association, Inc., Pleasantville, N.Y./Montreal, 1979. Although I learned to knit around age 10, this was the first and main knitting reference book in my collection for many years. It has basic and decorative stitches for many needle arts including knitting and crochet. Stitch patterns, coupled with the basic garment and finishing chapter, provided all the information I needed for many custom designed garments.

COLOR
Sasha Kagan. The Sasha Kagan Sweater Book, Ballantine Books, New York, 1985. This book has inspirational use of color in repeat patterns as well as excellent sweater construction techniques.

David Codling and Gregory Courtney, editors. Simply Shetland 4 at Tomales Bay, Unicorn Books and Crafts, Inc., 2007.

Carla Scott, editor. Vogue Knitting Stitionary 3: The Ultimate Stitch Dictionary from the Editors of Vogue^RT Magazine, Sixth&Spring Books, New York, 2006. When I glanced through this book at the local library I was amazed to see a large number of swatches worked in the same colorways that I use. In addition, the book used variations of my favorite stitch patterns. So why did I purchase it? It was well organized and it was if some one was reading my mind or inspired by the same colors in nature as me.